SERIES & GRADE:

POSITION INFORMATION:

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:

DUTY LOCATIONS:

WHO MAY APPLY:

All United States Citizens and Nationals.

JOB SUMMARY:

Reclamation is a contemporary water management agency. Reclamation is best known for Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River and Folsom Dam on the American River. Today we are the largest wholesaler of water in the country and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the western United States. Visit: http://www.usbr.gov. View our DVD titled "Traditions, Talent, and Teamwork" at: http://www.usbr.gov/pmts/hr/video/

Position is being advertised concurrently under BR-PN-VA-GC-13-092 for current federal employees serving under a competitive service career or career-conditional appointment or reinstatement eligible. If you are interested in applying under both announcement numbers, you must submit application packages for each.

Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on his/her expertise as Electrical Engineer. You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment. Responsibilities involve developing electrical designs, plans, and specifications for new and replacement equipment; and formulating special testing programs for new and existing installed equipment that specifically relate to hydroelectric power plants. Here is a great opportunity to join a great organization with stellar growth potential. Great Benefits Package: paid vacation, sick days, holidays, health and life insurance and an excellent retirement package.

Promotion to the Full Performance Level: The career ladder promotion potential of this position is the GS-12 level. However, this position may be filled at a lower grade. If so, when and if it is determined that a subsequent promotion is warranted, it may be made without further competition. Promotion up to and including the GS-12 level is neither guaranteed nor automatic.

Relocation expenses are authorized with the exception of the Guaranteed Home Sale Provision. First-post-of-Duty relocation expenses are authorized for new appointment or reinstatement eligibles.

Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT WILL REMAIN OPEN THROUGH FEBRUARY 14, 2014 AND APPLICANTS MAY APPLY AT ANY TIME DURING THAT TIME FRAME; HOWEVER, APPLICANTS WHO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS BY MIDNIGHT, MARCH 8, 2013 WILL BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION FOR THE FIRST ROUND OF HIRING. ADDITIONAL HIRING CONSIDERATIONS WILL BE MADE UPON REQUEST FROM THE SELECTING OFFICIAL AND AS NEEDED FOR UP TO 180 DAYS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

You must be a U.S. Citizen or National to apply for Federal Employment.

You must provide transcript(s) to verify educational requirements.

Failure to provide transcripts will result in loss of consideration.

Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation.

If claiming veteran's preference, submit all required documents as shown.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

A. Professional engineering degree from a school of engineering with at least one or more curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus AND courses (advanced beyond first year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

-OR-

B. Combination of education AND experience--college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished: 1) a thorough knowledge of physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: 1) Professional registration; 2) Written test--Evidence of having successfully passed the Engineer in Training exam or the written test required for professional registration; 3)specified academic courses--Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and in engineering that included the courses specified in the basic requirements. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of a professional engineering curriculum as described in paragraph A; or 4) Related curriculum--Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or appropriate professional field provided applicant has 1 year professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants must meet the following qualifications requirements of education, experience or a combination of both as follows:

For the GS-7 level - Successful completion of at least 1 year of graduate level education; OR Superior Academic Achievement (SAA). This provision applies to undergraduate record only. It is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade point average, or (3) honor society membership. Applicant must supply documentation (i.e. transcripts, certificates) to verify; 1. Class Standing: Applicant must be in the upper third of their graduating class in the college or university. 2. Grade point average: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on official transcript. 3. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society: These honor societies are listed in the Association of College Honor Societies;

OR One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 in federal service. Such experience must include knowledge of Electrical Engineering theories, principles, and practices including an ability to work with and understand electrical power, communication, and control drawings. Other applicable experience could include industrial systems and electrical work on large facilities. The incumbent will be expected to complete assignments in professional manner while working closely with a supervising professional engineer.

For the GS-9 level - Successful completion of at least 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree OR 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level in the federal service. Such experience must include a professional knowledge of Electrical Engineering theories, principles, and practices applicable to the evaluation of alternative plans, assisting with the determination of engineering feasibility of potential plans and features, and assisting with the preparation of designs and cost estimates for electrical systems. Examples of electrical systems may range from fiber optic communications to industrial systems and electrical transmission facilities. The incumbent will be expected to complete assignments in a professional manner under the direct supervision of a mentoring electrical engineer.

For the GS-11 level - Successful completion of at least 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education OR PhD or equivalent doctoral degree OR 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level in the federal service. Specialized experience is professional engineering experience in the repair, testing, or modification of electrical equipment and systems typical in power generation facilities. Such experience must include professional knowledge of Electrical Engineering theories, principles, and practices applicable to the formulation and evaluation of alternative plans, determination of engineering feasibility of potential plans and features, and preparation of designs and cost estimates for a wide variety of electrical systems. Examples of electrical systems range from fiber optic communications, to 500-kV circuit breakers and transformers, and include control and protective sub-systems. Other applicable experience could include industrial systems and electrical transmission facilities. The incumbent is expected to complete assignments in a professional manner without daily direct supervision of the required steps.

If selected, you will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify your educational qualifications. An official transcript bears the University Seal and a signature certifying its authenticity and must be provided from the institution awarding the degree. Academic transcripts certified by notary publics are NOT official. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to reporting to work as a condition of employment. Failure to submit official transcripts may be grounds for dismissal or rescission of the job offer.

This position has a mandatory education requirement; you must furnish a copy of your transcript of college work completed (unofficial copy is acceptable). Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred. Non-submission will result in you being rated not qualified for the position.

Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, applicants must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs.

If you are claiming eligibility based on Superior Academic Achievement (only possible at grade 07), you must submit a copy of your college transcripts or equivalent documents to support your education. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred. For information on Superior Academic Achievement, visit: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e5.asp#e4f .

You must meet all qualification requirements and any selective factors, by the closing date of the announcement.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

Category rating and selection procedures will be used to evaluate applications from this announcement. If you meet the basic qualification requirements, your on-line responses to the vacancy assessment questionnaire will be used to determine the quality and extent of your experience, education, training, etc., for placement in one of the following categories: 1) Best Qualified, 2) Well Qualified, and 3) Qualified. Qualified candidates will be assigned a numerical score on a scale of 70-100 and veterans with preference will be placed at the top of their respective category. The assessment questionnaire will take you approximately 60 minutes to complete.

Applicants will be further evaluated on the following "Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)" through your resume and responses to the online questions.

1. Knowledge of electrical engineering concepts, and principles, sufficient to apply them to equipment and systems.

2. Knowledge of preventative and break-down maintenance of electrical and electronic equipment. (As found in power or industrial facilities that could include rotating equipment such as generators, motors, motor/generators, transformers, switchgear, insulated cables, elevators, etc. and switchgear equipment, up to 500kv, and the associated auxiliary equipment including control, protection, and alarms.)

3. Knowledge of electrical tests as they apply to evaluations of electrical equipment and electrical insulation materials.

4. Ability to read and interpret electrical, mechanical, and structural drawings or schematics.

5. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Applicant's answers to questions will be verified against information provided in their online resume. Be sure that the resume clearly supports the responses to all the questions by addressing experience, education, and/or training relevant to this position. Applicants must make a fair and accurate assessment of their qualifications. Applicants who exaggerate or falsify their experience and/or education may be removed from employment consideration.

BENEFITS:

Working for the Bureau of Reclamation offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees, visit: http://www.opm.gov/insure .

OTHER INFORMATION:

If you are initially appointed to a career-conditional position, you must serve a 1-year probationary period.

If you are a current permanent federal employee and are selected from this announcement, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period.

Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.

The Bureau of Reclamation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection for positions is made solely on the basis of merit, fitness and qualifications without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors.

The referral list from this public notice may be used to fill subsequent positions (similar title, series and grade, location, and KSA requirements) within 180 days of the date the referral list was issued.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications (resume and assessment questionnaire) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on the closing date of this announcement. When you're ready to apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button on the right side of any page. This vacancy is being announced through Bureau of Reclamation's Hiring System-HireMe. For more information about the HireMe system and the registration process, visit: http://www.usbr.gov/pmts/hr/hireme.html .

As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in your not being considered for this position. Options for submitting supporting documentation include:

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us at the phone number shown at the bottom of this page. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume (with dates of employment, i.e. years and months), an on-line assessment questionnaire, and the following supporting documents, as appropriate.

DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty: If you are entitled to veterans’ preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. If you have a compensable service connected disability, submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and the required documentation requested by this form, in addition to the DD-214.

CTAP/ICTAP: CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including selective factors, education and experience requirements) and score at least well qualified on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP/ICTAP, http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp

Declaration of Federal Employment, OF-306: If Selected you will be required to complete an (OF-306), http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf prior to being appointed to determine your suitability for federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. Failure to answer all questions truthfully and completely or providing false statements on the application may be grounds for not hiring you or for dismissing you after you begin work, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (U.S. Code, Title 18, section 1001).

Transcripts: Applicants MUST furnish a copy of your college transcripts, if applicable. If selected, you will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify your educational qualifications prior to reporting for work.

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

After all application packages have been received, resumes and transcripts will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the Assessment Questionnaire. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in the USAJOBS profile.

If you are determined to be in the Best Qualified group, you may be required to submit written, essay-style responses to additional assessment questions as a continuation of the evaluation process. Failure to respond to the additional assessment questions will result in loss of further consideration for this position.